What is Hermann Oak Leather?

What is Hermann Oak Leather?

Hermann Oak Leather is leather tanned by the Hermann Oak Leather company in St. Louis, Missouri. The Hermann Oak Leather company has been making leather since 1881 when Lewis Charles Hermann started the business to accommodate the local harness trade and to supply wagon loads of settlers on their way West.

Since 1881 the Hermann Oak Leather Company has earned the reputation of being the
premier leather manufacturer in the United States. Their specialty is vegetable
tanning, a type of tanning used to make leather for many uses, including saddle
making. Hermann Oak Leather can be found in certain saddles made by such prestigious
saddle makers as Circle Y, Billy Cook, and more.



Please come see us at RANCHco Saddle Shop
461 Hwy 62
Wolfforth, Tx 79382
806-687-9267

RANCHco Saddle SHop Bull Ropes How they are made

What about your bullropes?

Bull Rope Style and Design

Most of our ropes will be a 9 X 9 plait or 9 X 7 plait (right or left your choice). The tail is approx 7 1/2 ft measured from the block and the body is approx 7 1/2 ft including the loop (open). You will find most bull rope are going to be approx 15 ft (total) that are designed for Full Sized Bulls. Our ropes are all hand made and do vary slightly.



Our ropes are made from Polypropylene and it holds up well. Years ago bull ropes were made from Manila Grass and did not have leather laced in them. The leather lacing is a oiled tanned latigo lace that is hand cut. Braiding a Bullrope takes years of braiding experience and knowledge.



The block and handhold is the heart of a rope. We offer Standard American Style Bull Ropes (however Brazilian Style, Offset handholds, etc are also offered). The block is double laced, very stiff, and designed to not tip or roll.



You should consider the price range when buying a rope. The basic Starter Style rope will be between $80.00 and $100.00. This is a beginner’s starter rope. A better rope may cost upwards of $250.00 and up. Many Bullriding instructors will encourage students to start with a high quality professional style rope in the $200.00 and up price range although not everyone can afford one.



Our starter type ropes are generally 9 X 9 plait which is a softer type tail. On our more expensive ropes you can get "Soft, Extra soft, Baby nine, and tight plait tails, etc.



The starter rope has a "Half Laced" handhold and on more expensive ropes a "Full Laced" handhold is an option.



Bottom-line the better the rope the more it cost....the more it cost the longer it last and often the less roll or tip. Bull riding is a very dangerous Sport and we always encourage everyone to buy the best rope they can afford as it will pay off in the long run....mainly with fewer hang-ups and trips to the hospital....Safety First!

Please come see us at RANCHco Saddle Shop
461 HWY 62
Wolfforth, TX 79382
806-687-9267

When do you need Splint Boots, Bell Boots or Skid Boots ?

-When do you need splint boots?
Splint boots should be worn at all times. They provide protection to the splint and cannon bones should they be inadvertently struck by the hoof and/or shoe of the opposite foot. Some splint boots provide extra support for the tendons.

-What about bell boots?
Bell boots protect the coronet band from being struck by the hoof or shoe. This is particularly important in the early stages of teaching a horse to spin. Bell boots also protect the bulbs and heels of the front feet from the toe of the hind feet when a horse is sliding. Extra care should be given to keep bell boots clean. Sand accumulating in them will irritate the ankles, which can lead to a serious condition known as 'scratches'.
When do you need knee boots?
In some cases horses will rub one knee against the other while spinning. Knee boots should be used until the horse learns to spin without interfering.

-What about skid boots?
Skid boots should be used when the horse is being worked on sliding stops. Particular attention should be paid to keeping skid boots clean. When using leather boots, keep them well oiled. Stiff or dirty skid boots will could cause scalding.

If you near Lubbock come see us the coffee is always on at RANCHco Saddle Shop
461 Hwy 62
wolfforth, TX 79382
806-687-9267

How do I install a horn cap?

How do I install a horn cap?
You drill a pilot hole in the horn.....half the size of the screw. Take care not to go thru the horn cap.
Since all saddles are different you may need to cut down the screw to the proper length.....you can often cut the screw with a wire cutter and then it needs to
be filed or ground with a grinder to a point.
I add a small amount of saddle glue to the hole where the saddle horn cap goes in and then carefully screw it in.
I large number of the people who purchase these take them to their local saddle shop for professional installation but many folks do install them on their own.
So not to do any damage to your saddle I strongly suggest going slowly and making sure you understand the process.


If your in town or near Lubbock come see us. The coffee is always on!
461 Hwy 62
Wolfforth, TX 79382
806-687-9267

Will a cribbing collar cure cribbing on my horse?

Will a cribbing collar cure cribbing on my horse?



Well it is really hard to say.....this is really more for Cribbing "wind suckers" rather than horses that merely chew wood.

I have a horse that sucks wind and in the process bites or chews wood and it works for him.....and we hear good reports from customers.

There is also a safety issue about placing it on a horse in a pasture as there is always the risk of a hang-up or choking....this has a nylon strap that would not break easily.

There really is no cure for cribbing.....This product works in most cases but not on all horses.....

If your horse is just chewing wood he may quit when placed in a pasture and often if there is another horse it will help as it is most likely a nervous habit.

If he is Sucking Wind" then he may continue.....when he sucks wind the horse will normally hang there top teeth on a piece of wood, etc and then quickly suck in
wind....this causes an Endorphin Release that is very pleasurable and is habit forming....in a mature horse it is normally very hard to control and these devises (at
best) just slow it down.



Please come see us if your in town at:
461 HWY 62
Wolfforth, TX 79382
806-687-9267

Why use a Bull-rope pad?

Why use a Bull-rope pad?

PRO TIP - LYLE SANKEY
"While the pad is no magic cure-all, it does help by filling out the bull's back and allowing a much more comfortable positioning of the riding hand. By minimizing the variable, you can focus on the essential aspects of your bull riding on a consistent basis. A good bull rope pad can help do this. Every bull rider should carry a pad, even if you choose to only use it on the ones with bad backs. It'll make you money in the long run."


You can always come by and see us in person at :
RANHco Saddle Shop
461 Hwy 62
Wolfforth, TX 79382
Just outside of Lubbock TX

806-687-9267

How do I measure for Chaps or Chinks?

How do I measure for Chaps or Chinks?



We need the waist (measured where you will wear your chaps). We also need your inseam (from your crotch to the desired length) and the out seam (from the top of where you wear your chaps to the desired length). In most cases we also need your upper thigh and just above the knee measurements.



Please note that we cannot guarantee a fit but only guarantee we will make your chaps to the measurements you supply us so please measure carefully and ask questions first.

Please come see us at www.ranchco.net for your custom chaps. If you don't have time for custom chaps than check out what we have in stock ready for you today~



You can always come by and see us in person at :
RANHco Saddle Shop
461 Hwy 62
Wolfforth, TX 79382
Just outside of Lubbock TX

806-687-9267

What is Sterling Silver Overlay?

What is Sterling Silver Overlay?



OVERLAY is a process of taking nickel silver and applying a layer of solid sterling
silver....it is many times thicker than "Plated". The overlay is then engraved,
etc....whereas plated items are engraved and then plated with a very thin electro
plate of silver.

The process of using sterling silver overlay is done by the finest silversmith. It has the great appearance of solid sterling at a reduced cost but will far out last plated products.

Of course there are good quality plated items and cheap quality plated items. Not all plated items are cheap....for instance some of the finest dinnerware (forks, spoons, etc) are plated.

Sterling overlay is much better and more expensive than plated but not as high a solid sterling silver.

RANCHco Saddle Shop About US

Thank you for the opportunity to share about RANCHco a division of Eaton Ranch Saddle Shop.

My family came to Texas in 1851 with a wagon train of settlers from Illinois. In fact
my Great-great Grandfather went to Kansas on cattle Drive in 1880 and again in 1881.
When he returned he bought a ranch and registered a brand on August 5, 1882 that we
still use today.

As you can see I have quite a family tradition.....but my Great-great Grandfather left
more than a "Cowboy Tradition"....he was a Christian. And so were his son and
his son's son and then my father. These good men of God gave me a foundation to live
my life by. I am one of the lucky ones. I never really knew anything else but a
Christian Family.

You see as a young man I thought everyone had this.....it was not until much later in
my life that I realized that I had been truly blessed! That I was in fact blessed
beyond description.

There are days when I can scarcely think about what my life would have been like
otherwise. There is a not a day that goes by that I do not think about these men.

I give God the glory and thank him that I rode with men like these!



We sincerely thank you for the opportunity to do business with you. If you are in need of a FREE Bible please drop us an email with your name and address and we will be very glad to send you one.

My Father and I started the saddle shop more than 35 years ago and we look forward to the opportunity to offer quality Cowboy Goods at an affordable price!



Ron and Laura Eaton
Eaton Ranch Saddle Shop /RANCHco